San Jose at St. Louis

San Jose's defensive liabilities have caught up to them. During the regular season, the Sharks were #21 in goals allowed, and #15 in penalty killing. They are on the brink of elimination after allowing 18 goals in five games against St. Louis, off a 5-0 defeat at home. San Jose is also banged up with captain Joe Pavelski, two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, and Joonas Donskoi missing ice time the last game. The Sharks are on a 3-7 run on the road, plus 7-15 in Conference Finals games. The St. Louis defense is ranked fifth in goals allowed, and top 10 in penalty killing. The Blues are home, on a 19-9 run, as well as 23-11 against winning teams. The home team has won seven of the last 10 meetings, so back the superior defensive team playing at home. Play St. Louis for today's NHL Max Play.